Steam users have discovered that a game called Killer Queen Black, which was delisted in 2022, has suddenly reappeared on the storefront, this time as a free-to-play title. Initially released in 2019, Killer Queen Black was forced to shut down its servers on all platforms, including Steam, after Amazon decided to end its GameSparks service, which the game’s multiplayer features relied on.
Developer Liquid Bit announced through a heartfelt message that the team tried everything to keep the game alive but was unable to rewrite the entire build. As a result, it had no option but to delist Killer Queen Black. Those who had already purchased this PvP indie Steam game could continue playing its local co-op modes, but no new users would be able to buy it. However, the game has suddenly appeared on Steam again, leaving many users baffled.
Killer Queen Black Is Listed Again, This Time as an F2P Steam Game
Before it was delisted in 2022, Killer Queen Black had a price tag of around $2 USD (via SteamDB). However, the new listing that appeared out of nowhere has turned it into one of Steam’s free-to-play games. This could simply be a mistake on the developer or publisher’s side, but regardless of the reason, Steam users can currently add Killer Queen Black to their libraries and hopefully keep it permanently.
Killer Queen Black‘s Steam page currently states that the game is no longer available on the platform. However, those who visit the page while logged in to a valid Steam account will see an option to add it to their libraries.
Killer Queen Black Gameplay Features
- 8-player co-op and PvP matches (4v4)
- Arcade-style gameplay
- Different win conditions depending on the team’s strategy
- Local, shared-screen co-op modes
- Several arcade-inspired maps
- Unique rolls, like warrior or queen bee
- Strategic combat
- Online multiplayer (currently unavailable)
Some behind-the-scenes activity suggests that on July 10, Killer Queen Black‘s billing type on Steam was changed to “Free on Demand,” which is the type of licensing used by free-to-play games. For now, it remains unclear whether this was intentional or if someone accidentally re-listed the game. Mistakes like this are not uncommon on Valve’s storefront. One famous example was Pico Park: Classic Edition‘s Steam release, which was accidentally listed as free, and the developer decided to keep it that way for a while.
Killer Queen Black is the remake of a classic arcade game of the same name. It captures the same nostalgic feel while successfully modernizing many aspects of the original game. On Steam, the game managed to accumulate over 500 user reviews before being delisted, and more than 90% of them were positive. It is unfortunate to see such a high-potential indie game on Steam forced to shut down due to another tech giant changing its policies. However, those interested in preserving this unique title currently have a chance to add it to their libraries and likely keep playing it even if the game is delisted again.
- Released
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October 11, 2019
- ESRB
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e
- Developer(s)
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Liquid Bit
- Publisher(s)
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BumbleBear Games
